People have asked me about the processes involved with writing and publishing as an indie author. I thought some of you might find it interesting. So this is the first in a series of posts, each describing a different aspect of the process.

Topic #1: Decide what kind of writer you are.

Let’s be honest, you don’t become an indie author to get rich (although this happens more frequently these days—look up Hugh Howey or Scott Sigler, among others). You do it because you like to write. It is a creative outlet, and we all need creative outlets, don’t we? I write because it makes me happy to create something from nothing. But my books are not for everyone. I grew up reading sci-fi and adventure books. I collected and read everything Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote (Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, At the Earth’s Core, etc.). And so writing Diffusion and Infusion was a labor of love for me. The question is: what do you love to read? If you love poetry, you should write poetry. You could take a poetry class, or read some books on writing poetry, or simply study the work of great poets. Do you love to read steamy romances? If so, you should write romances. Life is too short to spend precious free time doing things we don’t love. Other people may not like the books you like. But don’t write for other people. Write for yourself. If you do, your passion will show through. It is much easier to become good at something when you are passionate about it.

And keep in mind the world is changing. With indie publishing distributors such as Amazon, you now have access to readers all over the world. Maybe your friends and neighbors don’t like the books you like, but you can bet your best writing pen that somewhere in the world there are people who do. Even if you write zombie romances set in prehistoric times.